since everyone is OK with KL Sentral 3PM.....

i guess its KL Sentral 3PM la?

Starbucks ok??? dun wan McDonalds la.... too cramped and sure got damn alot of people...

Okie, confirm KL sentral 3pm at Starbucks ... The stock already arrived at my GF house, and all 8 ZEROs safely arrived!

Bro Kyle: I will PM you once I back at Ipoh

Bro Stormspider: I think i might need you to give me a ride from Bank of China tomorrow, anyway I will SMS and confirm with you 2moro morning, anyway thanks for your offer, really appreciate it!!!

Oh yeah, any of you guys got this Crossroad X3i and any portable media player? If do, could you please bring it along, I wanna do some head-to-head comparison with my new little toy

my GF has the X3i...will take try and pinjam from her later....

but i dont have portable media player though

Thanks bro mADmAN, hope to have it 2moro at the gathering

Emm ... now that's only portable media player to fulfill, anyone?

EDIT: Hope to have portable media player because Starbucks got this power socket, we can try review the ZERO live and fight with mADmAN's modded unit, together with the OPA627, OPA2107(bro mADmAN please try to bring along ), LME49720, OPA2604, too bad Bro kwekeugene not coming, else we got LT1364 and LT1469 to test too .... Opps, too bad we dont have headphone, any volunteer to bring along their beloved? DT990

anyone with a laptop that has SPDIF out shoud bring theirs oso ler....

my attendance still not confirmed...need to refer to GF first

but ill try to be there la and if i come i bring my ZERO and DT990 as well..

GodLuvSxS - No prob, let me know by around 1pm

I'll also bring along my X3i and a PK2 to play around...lol

I think no need SPDIF ready notebook because we got the USB to SPDIF converter LOL Anyone can bring along notebook? Sorry I got no notebook on my hand

mADmAN: Try 100% to be there la, more ppl more merrier ma

hey steve,
did u get my pm anyway?
i been pming you since, but have no reply from you..
a little bit of curious, have you received my message?

Sorry, Andy! I forgot to tell you when I'm ready to reply your PM, the connection is stuck and i'm unable to reply you. Anyway, you got PM reply

I think I may bring along my office notebook and also my AKG 171s...
Looks like a mini audiophile gathering...

Someone bring multiple power source adaptor... coz will need one power source for the notebook
and also one for the ZERO.. Don't think starbucks will have two individual power sockets next to each other...

I will bring along the power source adaptor. Anyway another "attraction" for Bro mADmAN to attend, I got one extra LME49720, attractive? Emm ... I would like to have a cup of Caramel Macchiato and the LME49720 is yours

GodLuvSxs, can I COD with you slightly early at Ampang area ard 10:00-11:00 AM, Maybe Bank Of China or Ampang Park or any place the convenient to you. I need to childcare my two kids as my wife going back to home town for "ChingMin" and properly not able to reach home before 2:30pm.

Finally COD with Godluvsxs at KL Sentral. nice seller with a lot of freebies.

My setup

Sony DVD player NS76H -> Zero -> Soundstage 1.5 -> KEF Cresta 10

1st hour burn in, very shiok. test with Janis Ian, breaking silence and Guess u had to be there.. now can hear the bass and mid better. Improve soundstge. Bass is punchy, but is a bit stretch causing boominess at certain frequency.

next fourplay chant (pa pa pa ra pa pa ra papapapapa),andy Mckee art of motion, and NAIM test CD

Now the bass and instrument and high are begining to shine. as if the hidden instrument begin to uncover itself.

next come the women voices III, jennifer wernes, rebecca pidgeon, alison krauss. The vocal is more true, the speaker is disappearing more and more (but still there)

wait for next 24 hours.

really worth the investment and wait

I wan my zero as well
Very gatal already

Finally met with Godluvsxs today and COD at Bank OF China.

Just tried out for two hours, I think Zero need at least 10-15 break hrs, b4 you can feel the real musical sound from Zero.

Hi Guy, can someone show me some picture of the LM49720 installation. TIA

1 review only so far????

cmon people..post up ur initial impressions la.......

It means they all still busy listening to it

The Zero need more times to burn in, I Reckon.
The reason I bought this Zero, mainly due to my two spare DVD players and I've plan to pair with my old DVD player as below
Samsung DVDP Or Toshiba DVDP -> Zero -> 13 yrs old Harmon Kardon AVR35 and my currently dedicated set is Marantz CD63 + NAD 320Bee.

Just tested two hours this evening, I reckon the music produced from Zero abit slow compared to CD63. CD63 much crispy, forward and detail sound, but a bit bright sound and also produce minor cripping when it's play those high b**** music. overall, it's not fair comparison - CD63 is direct RCA out and Samsung DVDP + Zero is Optical. I hv not try out to use Zero as preAmp pairing with the NAD 320Bee yet, anyway this my last option as I still think the Zero can pair well with my DVDP after sufficient hour burn in.

Sorry couldn't really post any thing last night as I was totally wiped out..
In fact I fell asleep while listening to the Zero on my SR80s... Barely managed
to wake up and put the SR80s on my table before collapsing to bed again...

Well first things first, met fellow LYN forumers GodLuvSxS, DarkEvilz, Csschua, Madman
at KL Sentral Starbucks... very friendly people and fun to talk to. Managed to get a chance
to try Madman's Beyers.. which was worth the wait..

Didn't managed to hook up my Zeros to my PC till around 9... Well the Zero's are definitely
a bang for their buck.. Really happy with the performance.. The amp section drives my
AKGs perfectly and all the DAC part is solid in processing of the songs I played.. All the
small details such as the gasp as the singers take a breath in the middle of the song, the
tiny little background sound which you'll never notice on a normal headphones are all
brought out by the DAC...

Now at work but I left the Zero on to burn it in... Can't wait till it reaches the 100+ hour
mark so that I can swap the Opamps...

Ya...For those who brought the adapter +opamp627ap. Please dun swap it out with original yet...familiar with the original opamp, then after some time swap it with better opamp..BANG!!! U will sure notice the difference and improvement.

My main Zero purchase objective solely acted as DAC for my two old DVDP. but from the MadMan comments early, there isn't much sound improvement so I rather stay on to the original stock for the time being. Anyway can anyone guide or show me on the LM49720 installation.

look at the LM49720. notice that 1 side has a notch or a circle on it?

next remove the opamp u wanna replace.... look at the socket... notice the socket has a notch on it as well??

make sure the notch/ circle on the opamp matches the socket. plug it in and ur done

Hi MadMan, I'm electronic illiterate old guy, can shoot some picture for me here, so that I can start DIY once the Zero burnt in enough. I'm only interested on DAC section and I seldom listen music on my PC, hence headAmp is not important for me. current stock, bass a bit weak and vocal a bit soft. wonder how much improvement with the LM49720 replacement.

haven't try my dac yet... still haven't buy the power plug converter...
since this thing is from china, do i have to worried bout the volt... it can be plug directly to malaysian 220~240v switch right?

Finally i got the internet connection and see how you guys' unit performing! Currently surfing at CC while waiting for GF to finish facial

utellme: Sorry for unable to provide pictures about how to sweep opamp correctly cos of no internect connect at my staying place until I back to my home Hope that any kind soul here able to provide you the desired picture!

I think you guys should let the stock opamp burn in for at least 100 hours I'm planning to get the LT1364 opamp directly from LT head office, the sample unit is too darn hard to get, estimate cost should be RM20 each, should be quite worth the money. Wait till bro kwekeugene review his unit with LT1364, see how well it sounds

---

Added on March 31, 2008, 3:11 pm

Sure, can plug straight without any hassle, u just cant plug those 110V directly

No worry, just use plug in. or u can use the normal computer power cable .

Finally got my Zero today

Optical out > Zero > Grado SR225

Just plugged in it, what I immediately noticed is the widened and more defined soundstage. In some songs, the highs were noticeably tamer, making it less fatiguing to listen to. The expanded soundstage makes the mids more prominent and clearer. Or rather, in layman terms, less congested. No hiss or background noise up till the 12 o'clock volume level, going all the way has some slight hiss. Certainly won't be noticeable if using efficient headphones since at 9 o'clock, it's already quite loud!

All of this is from a fresh unit, will do a further review once I get more hours in and start opamp rolling....

Note : the unit gets rather hot, probably 50-60 degrees. you guys having the same problem?

Okie, guys! Gotta go now, been surfing for 4 hours in CC and finally GF is ready to be released from facial shop Any question please contact me at 012-5690433 since I got no internet connection, thanks Enjoy your ZERO

Wah.. GodLuvSxS if your getting the LT1364 remember to let me know.. interested in getting it to try too...

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/prelude-...617/index3.html
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/just-not...general-306913/
Somes prefer LT1361 over LT1469 and LT1364. But again, it's very subjective.

Currently no money for Zero. But I do have 2 brand new LT1361 lying down somewhere inside my room.

p/s: It's prelude btw.

Hmm are u implying that your LT1361's are for sale??

The more I listen to it, the more i feel engaged.

just dig out those audiophile CD and replay those songs, I felt like being thrown into it. Can feel more warm and depth, and the sweetness of mid and highs.

wait another 24 hours.

Form the link, it seems that people tend to hv different opinion of the opamp swapping and there is no right or wrong, as it's very much matter of individual musical preference. but I don't mind to try out LT1364 just for RM20 if GodLuvSXS can get that for us.

opamps rolling is a preference, a pure preference, there will not be the best on any combinations
try to get some options, and try to search thru which opamps u love
it is just a matters u need a mid strong bass, low deep bass, wide soundstage, narrow aggressive..and etc....

Well, actually I'm pondering whether to get LT1361 or LT1364, the LT1469 should be ruled out cos it sounds quite bright compare to those two, maybe I pay bro BSOD to ship over one of this LT1361 to bro Kwekeugene do a A-B review since he got the LT1364, maybe he would get poisoned Last time I seen one review between OPA2111 and LT1364, the LT1364 comes out as a more all round performer, I think it's quality should be around OPA627 lvl

EDIT:

- Reviewed with Sennheiser headphone, I guess I'm more on LT1364 cos I love balance sound

Anyway, a notice to all interested audiophile: THE SECOND BULK KICKS START!!! Please proceed to counter get yours!

Zero burn in currently around 30 hours. Might start rolling earlier

Here's the op-amps I have
LT1361
LT1364
LT1057
LT1469
OPA627

From the link,

DAC / Amp :

LT1364 + LT1469 DAC=great, phone=great

LT1364 + LT1361 DAC=great, phone=great

LT1364 + LT1057 DAC=great, phone=good

LT1469 + LT1364 DAC=good, phone =good

LT1469 + LT1361 DAC=great, phone=great

one question, where u guys buy opamp from?
hmmm?

wrong post pulak... was confused with the bulk thread.

WHEEEEEEEEEE.....

already paid mike for the OPA627s....

now just waiting for them to arrive only... then my ZERO will have OP627s all around = total 3 complete units...

GodLuvSXS, if you can help us to get LT1364, LT1361 Or LT1469 then it will be good.

---

Added on April 3, 2008, 8:19 pm


Look like this CO is located in leisure comm square, in PJ.
If they have stock Lt1364 , LT1469 or LT1361 then it will be handy.

Now 96 hours

Sony DVD player NS76H -> Zero -> Soundstage 1.5 -> (KEF Cresta 10) replaced with B&W 602 S3

HIFI quality. extended soundstage. Warm and crisp. low volume playing is very enjoyable. feel the matching of amp and speakers. However the bass at certain frequency (may be the 80 or 100 hz) is not controlled. suspect 1. stand 2. the dac.

Dig back the women audiophile, and now with the B&W, i really feel the soundstage is there, as if the singer radiates no matter where i sit. When i sit right in front of the cd player, I can feel like holding the singer mic (as if the singer is there), the more I feel the speaker is gone. I am almost there, only to be awaken when the mid bass (not low bass, the speaker can go very low, it has 7" woofer) is present, a hum that is reavealing.

Feel like rolling the browndog now. has anyone started browndog. will the browndog give me extended bass, or which opamp will give me the more complete bass.

I had about 50 hours on my Zero.

I just put in the OPA627 a mins ago. All I can say is that it's awesome. With the stock OPA2604, I felt there was some veil to the music, with the OPA627, crystal clear. The mids are very enjoyable

I saw that u were following the Penchuum thread. anything new to share.

I follow the thread, to discover when the phono turns green, I can use the knob to control the volume. I must say I am very happy with soundstage 1.5 tubeamp.

Hi guys, I just back at my own home! Last time I did inquire price from the local distributer of LT, guess what?! He charge me RM30 each for 12pcs and shipping from Singapore not included!!! I guess that's a no no!

Wow, seems like you guys enjoy the DAC very much, I'm so glad I guess few more days later, the stock OPA2604 will reach it's peak, that's time for opamp swapping

Kwekeugene: Did you tried LT1364 on the DAC section? I'm eager to know how it's going performing

mADmAN: How the LME49720 fare in the DAC section? great?

i dunno how the LME is man... coz i think i misplaced it

need to go find again

Great, just hope that you dont throw it like wrap tissue paper XD Anyone here wanna try OPA2111? Might bring in some along next bulk, it's also quite an all-round opamp, price should be around RM30, you guys may google it

So far this is the Opamp I tested in the DAC section. Need to get some sort of plier to get to the opamps from the amp section. It's quite tight to reach....

OPA2604
Heavy on bass, shy of highs, however seductive mids. A tube like sound signature. Has a laid back nature which makes listening to it non-fatiguing at all.

OPA627
Overall the better DAC. I noticed for the 1st time in some songs the voice of the backup vocalist. I do find it rather revealing too, try playing poor recordings and it will show.

LT1361
Not bad at all but lacks the "wow" factor. Less revealing than the OPA627, but overall it's quite decent.

Ya...Opa627ap is very detail. Make U hear more, much more details. Like U said, it will shown how bad yr source are. That is why i dun listen to mp3 anymore unless i cant find them...

after 5 days - almost accumulated 15 hrs burnt in, currently my setting is
1. Marantz CD63SE (MaxCable - Optical) ---> ZERO (DAC-only) ---> NAD320Bee ---> Cambridge SoundWork (Passive Woofer) + Mission 771E spk.
2. Samsung S128 (DIY - Canare Crump plug + Belden 1694A ) ----> ZERO (DAC-only) ---> Harmon Kardon AVR 35 ---> Mission 773E spk.

I really like the 1st setting, it really bring out very clear and sweet sound from the my Mission spks.